However, both sides have said that talks are ongoing, making it highly unlikely that today’s deadline will be maintained. The unions have already rejected the 0.5% offer – one of the lowest offered to public sector workers in the UK for 2009-10.

Our website uses cookies, which are small text files that are widely used in order to make websites work more effectively. To continue using our website and consent to the use of cookies, click click 'Continue'. Find out more.